Regina Masci Ponce

Regina Masci Ponce, 60, passed away peacefully surrounded by the people she loved on September 16, 2026.

Regina was born on December 4, 1965, to Phyllis and Vincent Masci and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. She later attended the College of Staten Island, where she earned an associate degree in business. Brooklyn was home for much of Regina’s life, and even after eventually making a new home in Jacksonville, Florida, she never lost the close friendships and connections she had made back North.

On June 28, 1998, Regina married Ernesto Ponce. Together, they shared a life filled with love, laughter, and the companionship of their two beloved Yorkies, Mandy and Mika. Regina’s love for animals was just one reflection of the enormous heart she had.

To know Regina was to know how deeply she loved. She was genuine, loyal, generous, loving, and incredibly funny. She had the best laugh and a beautiful smile—both of which will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. She cared deeply and loved fiercely, and there was very little she wouldn’t do for the people who meant the most to her.

Regina also had a way of making people feel special. She paid attention to the little things and somehow managed to remember everyone’s birthdays, anniversaries, and important dates. Whether it was a phone call, a message, or simply remembering something that mattered to you, Regina made sure the people she loved knew they were thought of. It was simply who she was.

Family was at the center of Regina’s life. During the final chapter of her mother Phyllis’s life, Regina devoted herself to caring for her while she was in hospice, giving her mother the same love, comfort, and devotion that Regina so freely gave to the people around her.

After her mother’s passing, Regina began a new chapter of her life in Jacksonville, Florida. Over the next nine years, she had the opportunity to spend precious time with her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who lived nearby. She cherished the relationships she shared with each of them. She had a special bond with her goddaughters, Amanda and three year old Ella, who she held close to her heart. Being closer to family allowed Regina to be part of the everyday moments as well as the milestones, creating memories her family will always treasure.

Although Florida became her home, distance never changed the bonds Regina shared with so many of her dear girlfriends back North. She valued those lifelong friendships deeply and made sure that miles never stood in the way of staying connected to the people she loved. Among those treasured friendships was the special bond she shared with her dear friend Lisa, who was able to travel to Jacksonville and spend precious time with Regina during her final days. Having a lifelong friend by her side was a beautiful reflection of the kind of lasting friendships Regina created and held onto throughout her life.

Her love for animals followed her to Florida as well. Regina befriended her neighbor, Judy, who owned a farm, and she loved spending time with her and all of the animals there. The goats, horses and chickens quickly became part of the fun, and Regina was always coming up with new

names for them. It was one of those little things that was so unmistakably Regina—finding joy, humor, friendship, and something to love wherever she was.

Regina is survived by her loving husband, Ernesto Ponce and his son Ernie Jr; her sisters, Loretta Masci-Palazzola and Suzanne (David) Masci VanAmerongen; her brother, Vincent (Denise) Masci; her nieces and nephews, Amanda, Logan, Mia, Jaclyn, Lauren and Steven; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Emberlee, Sylas, Eve, and Ella.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Phyllis and Vincent Masci.

There are so many things that will be missed about Regina—her beautiful smile, her unforgettable laugh, her sense of humor, her thoughtfulness, and the way she loved with her whole heart. But those are also the things that will keep her close. Regina leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family and circle of friends who will continue to carry her love with them.

A Celebration of Life will follow the Mass, with details regarding the location to be shared at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, Regina’s family kindly asks that donations be made in her memory to the Patient Assistance Foundation of Cancer Specialists of North Florida at pafcsnf.org.